Ronald Cooper, 89, of Spearfish died on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Ron was born on February 15, 1924 to Floyd and Vera (Harris) Cooper in Canby, MN. He moved to Watertown, SD where he attended school, graduating from high school in 1943. Ron was drafted into the Army during World War II and later transferred to the Air Force as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946.

Ron married Ruth Smothers in April 1946. On the job training gave him $100 of body shop tools which led to a career owning and operating body shops in Watertown and Spearfish retiring in 1986. Ron and Ruth enjoyed going south for winters and in later years gaming in Deadwood.

Ron and Ruth had a special talent for Square Dancing and were members of the Jeans and Janes Square Dancing group in Watertown and the Buckles and Bows in Belle Fourche. Ron was also a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish for 46 years.

Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman and took pleasure in sharing these times with his sons, family and friends. He also had an interest in airplanes and belonged to the Model Airplane Club in Spearfish.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth and two sons, Conrad (Sharilyn) of Douglas, WY and Craig (Mary) of Spearfish, SD; eight grandchildren, Karen, Dale, Kristi, Ruth, Tami, Travis, Troy and Max; several great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Cheryl Wishard, mother and father, in-laws, Wayne and Nettie Smothers, brother, Paul Cooper and one great-grandson.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Burial with military honors by the Spearfish Honor Guard will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.